he Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) provides leadership in upholding civil rights and advancing racial equity in the City of Seattle. We are seeking a leader centered by their commitment to racial equity and empowerment to join SOCR as the RSJI Lead. The RSJI Lead serves an expert advisor and facilitates the work of the Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) Division at the direction of the RSJI Division Director. RSJI represents the City of Seattle’s commitment to end institutionalized racism and race-based disparities in City government.
 
SOCR envisions a city of thriving and powerful communities that foster shared healing and belonging. The SOCR advances civil rights and removes barriers to equity by enforcing illegal discrimination laws in Employment, Housing, Public Places, Fair Contracting, Title VI, and ADA Title II in the City of Seattle. We also provide civil rights training and education, propose legislation and policies, oversee the City’s Race & Social Justice Initiative, and support four commissions. Our values are Compassion, Responsibility, Integrity, Imagination, and Belonging.
 
In 2023, Seattle enacted legislation (CB 120525) codifying the Race and Social Justice Initiative into law and directs SOCR to:

• Develop analytical tools to identify equity impacts of City policies, practices, and decision-making. 
• Develop city-wide guidelines for community outreach, communication, and engagement to maximize community opportunities to shape City policies and services.
• Identify opportunities to improve fairness and opportunity in City practices.
• Provide a forum to promote collaboration citywide on racial equity and social justice foundational practices and frameworks.
• Support city departments in identifying equity-related service gaps, setting measurable racial equity and social justice goals, creating departmental action plans to achieve them, and developing systems of accountability.
• Guide equitable funding analysis and practices in departmental annual budgets.
• Support departments in developing an integrated external focus that helps departments reach their racial and social justice goals.

Here is more about what you will be doing:

• Support the RSJI Division’s implementation of the RSJI Strategic Plan. This may include leading training, communication, policies, partnerships, and coordination of interdepartmental efforts in key equity areas.
• Provide counsel, mentorship, and support to the RSJI Division staff to develop and support an anti-racist organizational culture and application of a racial equity analysis to RSJI’s bodies of work.
• Provides guidance and operational assistance to city departments in developing strategies to achieve measurable racial equity and social justice goals.
• Support and manage accountability systems and tools to ensure delivery and implementation of departmental Racial Equity Plans. 
• Coach, mentor, and support the anti-racism leadership, growth, and professional development of RSJI Division staff. 

The RSJI Lead will have experience that reflects a commitment to organizing systems and structures to increase agency for prevented and persecuted communities. They have knowledge of, and work experience with, underserved communities and socio-economic diversity. This knowledge and experience should be complemented by demonstrated ability in a combination of the following areas:

• Deliver results-oriented race and social justice program management.
• Inspire and lead teams in a manner that is data-informed and human-centered.
• Engage stakeholders in a manner that reflects collaboration, partnership, and respect.
• Support and encourage an anti-racist organizational culture.
• Assist and mentor those engaged in equity and social justice work.
• Conduct analysis with a racial equity and social justice lens.
• Authentically listen. Be humble and curious. Demonstrate empathy and self-awareness.
• Communicate at all levels tactfully and effectively.
• Leverage an agile, flexible, resourceful, and innovative mindset. 
• Lead and mentor with transparency and approachability. 

 This full-time benefitted position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 2, General Government in the City payroll system. It is exempt from the Civil Service System and FLSA (not eligible for overtime payment). The full salary range for this position is $109,620 to $164,492 annually ($52.50 - $78.78 hourly). The salary range for this individual role has been identified as $137,00 - $143,900 annually ($65.61- $68.92 hourly).
 
This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office two days a week. Telework option is available three days a week under current City of Seattle policy. This position may need to work occasional evenings/weekends. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.
 
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Pam Inch at Pam.Inch@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

Why work at the City of Seattle?
 
The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
 
Benefits – The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS:
 
To be considered you must include a resume and cover letter with your application. We encourage you to use your cover letter to discuss why you want to support the work of the RSJI and the team and your qualification for the position. Your resume should summarize the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you bring to this leadership role.
 
Application material received by 4:00PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, will receive first consideration. 
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 
If you have questions, please contact Pam Inch, Senior Executive Recruiter at Pam.Inch@seattle.gov.
 
Who may apply: This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills and abilities are aligned with the qualifications as presented above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.